Now and forever

I could not have composed a more appropriate title to describe the impression that David Bowie has left upon my life. In some form or "fashion", David has inspired both my imagination and creativity as a fellow musician and as a person. Though I am currently a college freshman, merely beginning to find my place and purpose in this world, I can truly say that most of my cherished memories as a child were greatly influenced by his work. I distinctly remember the day my father took me to the public library to rent the movie, "Labyrinth". He had been raving about this movie for weeks, and, being the ten year old I was at the time, I had no idea what to expect. That night that we watched it together was one of the best memories I've ever shared with my dad. From then on, it continued to influence my creative imagination as a child. I was hooked from that moment on, and still today, consider "Labyrinth" as my all-time favorite movie. Though this may have seemed as the kindling of my admiration for Bowie, it began far more earlier than I, then, realized. When I was much younger, my mother used to listen to him on records while working around the house. Even after I grew out of my adolescence into my teenage years, her fandom only grew over time. Unfortunately, I had not become familiar with his music until my later teenage years, and after she had passed away unexpectedly. With the many encounters I'd had throughout my childhood, I never went out of my way to investigate and dive into his work. However, the story of how I came to know David Bowie and his inspiring, chameleonic spirit, occurred in the most unfortunate of ways. On January 10 around 10:50 a.m., I was walking to my next class across campus when I decided I would spontaneously check the news reports on my smartphone (which I hardly ever pay any attention to). When I opened the home screen, the headlining article read "David Bowie dies at age 69". At least 3-4 years had gone by since the last time I had watched "Labyrinth", or even having the thought of David Bowie cross my mind. Even then, I hadn't considered myself a 'die-hard' fan. Yet, after reading the article headline, my heart sunk and I felt petrified. It was hard to sit through my class, but once it was through, I spent the entire day watching "Labyrinth", with a box of tissues by my side. Since then, not a day has gone by where I haven't spent time on YouTube, watching interviews, movies, concerts, etc.. I am truly saddened by the fact that I have missed so many years of knowing about this amazing man while he was still on this earth. But it is so enlightening to see so many amazing people sharing their stories and memories, and giving support to his wonderful family. I may not have years of fangirling experiences to share, but I stand with all of those in memory of the artist, rock icon, actor, husband, father, brother, son, and friend we have all come to know. Rest in peace, David Robert Jones. For you will be greatly missed by many.